Donald Beachler, associate professor of politics
With the health care reform bill making its way through Congress, WENY-TV sat down with Donald Beachler to get a prediction of what the final form of the bill might look like. “This will be a bill that's less than liberals wanted, and much more than conservatives wanted,” said Beachler. It would end insurance company practices like denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions, raising rates if you get sick, or dropping coverage if you get into an accident, but it will not include a public option. “Conservatives think [the bill is] hideous because it establishes the notion that government is going to help people get health insurance,” said Beachler. “Liberal critics say, 'Hey, you're delivering 30 million customers to the private insurance companies with some help from the government if they can't afford it.’”